Bulk Material Handling Device

ABSTRACT

A bulk material handling device can comprise a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base. The frame can have a first bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can also comprise a carriage slidably coupled to the frame. The carriage can have a second bin engagement feature. In addition, the bulk material handling device can comprise an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/807,585, filed Apr. 2, 2013 and entitled “BulkMaterial Handling Device” which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Bulk material typically refers to dry materials such as ores, coal,cereals, wood chips, sand, gravel, and stone in loose bulk form. Bulkmaterial can also refer to mixed wastes. Bulk material handling systemsare often utilized at storage facilities, such as stockyards, storagesilos, and stockpiles. The purpose of a bulk material handling facilitymay be to transport material from one of several locations to anultimate destination or to process material, such as ore forconcentrating and smelting, or handle materials for manufacturing, suchas logs, wood chips and sawdust at sawmills and paper mills. Otherindustries using bulk materials handling include waste disposal, flourmills and coal fired utility boilers.

Bulk material handling systems often include stationary machinery suchas conveyor belts, screw conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, bucketelevators, truck dumpers, railcar dumpers, shiploaders, hoppers, ordiverters as well as various mobile equipment such as loaders andshuttles.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, an improved bulk material handling device and associatedsystems and methods are provided. Such a device can comprise a base anda frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first binengagement feature. The bulk material handling device can furthercomprise a carriage which is slidably coupled to the frame and has asecond bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device canalso comprise an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. Theactuator can be operable to cause the carriage to move relative to theframe to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement featuresand to also cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dumpmaterial disposed in the bin.

In one aspect, a bulk material handling system in accordance with theprinciples herein can comprise a bulk material bin and a handling deviceoperable with the bin. The handling device can include a base and aframe rotatably coupled about the base and having a first bin engagementfeature. The handling device can also include a carriage slidablycoupled to the frame and having a second bin engagement feature. Inaddition, the handling device can include an actuator coupled to thebase and the carriage. More specifically, the actuator is operable tocause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin withthe first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame torotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

Furthermore, a corresponding method for facilitating handling of bulkmaterial in accordance with the principles herein can comprise providinga bulk material handling device including a base, a frame rotatablycoupled about the base, a carriage slidably coupled to the frame, and anactuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The method can alsocomprise facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagementfeature of the frame. In addition, the method can comprise facilitatingengagement of the bin with a second engagement feature of the carriage.In this respect, the actuator is operable to cause the carriage to moverelative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and second binengagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to thebase to dump material disposed in the bin. Thus, there has been outlinedin general terms several features of the improved bulk material handlingdevice, system and method. The following detailed description andaccompanying drawings illustrate additional aspect and features of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bulk material handling system, inaccordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a bulk material handling device of the bulkmaterial handling system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the bulk material handling device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bulk material bin, in accordance with an example ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1illustrating an unsecured bin disposed on the bulk material handlingdevice, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1illustrating the bulk material handling device securing the bin disposedthereon, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1illustrating the bulk material handling device rotating the bin at aninclined angle, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is a side view of the bulk material handling system of FIG. 1illustrating the bulk material handling device further rotating the binto dump contents of the bin, in accordance with an example of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate a locking mechanism of a bulk materialhandling device, in accordance with an example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bin and a bulk material handling device of a bulkmaterial handling system being lifted by a forklift, in accordance withan example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling device ofFIG. 5A being moved by a forklift to a dumping receptacle, in accordancewith an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling device ofFIG. 5A at the dumping receptacle, wherein the bulk material handlingdevice is rotating the bin, in accordance with an example of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5D illustrates the bin and the bulk material handling device ofFIG. 5A, wherein the bulk material handling device is dumping thecontents of the bin into the dumping receptacle, in accordance with anexample of the present disclosure.

These figures are provided merely for convenience in describing specificembodiments of the invention. Alteration in dimension, materials, andthe like, including substitution, elimination, or addition of componentscan also be made consistent with the following description andassociated claims. Reference will now be made to the exemplaryembodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to certain examples, and specific languagewill be used herein to describe the same. Examples discussed herein setforth a bulk material handling device and associated systems and methodsthat can provide for increased dumping angles, engageability withstandard forklift systems, and secure retention of a bin during dumping.

With the general embodiments set forth above, it is noted that whendescribing a bulk material handling device, or the related system ormethod, each of these descriptions are considered applicable to theother, whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context ofthat embodiment. For example, in discussing the bulk material handlingdevice per se, the system and/or method embodiments are also included insuch discussions, and vice versa.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, butis extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by thoseordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understoodthat terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to “a wheel” includes one or more of such wheels and referenceto “an actuator” includes one or more of such actuators.

Also, it is noted that various modifications and combinations can bederived from the present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, thefollowing figures should not be considered limiting.

In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forthbelow.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete ornearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is“substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completelyenclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree ofdeviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on thespecific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completionwill be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and totalcompletion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equallyapplicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the completeor near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state,structure, item, or result.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures orelements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent”may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near orclose to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exactdegree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in anyorder and are not limited to the order presented in the claims unlessotherwise stated. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitationswill only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of thefollowing conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or“step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function isexpressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support themeans-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by thedescriptions and examples given herein.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a bulk material handling system 100. Inaccordance with one example of the present disclosure, the bulk materialhandling system 100 can comprise a bulk material bin 101 and a bulkmaterial handling device 102 operable and engageable with the bin. Thebulk material bin can be adapted to contain any suitable type ofmaterial, such as solid materials and/or liquid materials. Typical solidmaterials include, but are not limited to, mixed wastes, ores, coal,cereals, wood chips, sand, gravel, or stone in loose bulk form. Liquidmaterials can include, but are not limited to, slurries, mud,wastewater, industrial effluent, and the like. Thus, the bulk materialbin can be of any suitable configuration, such as a box configuration asshown in the figure. The bin configuration can therefore be of anysuitable length 151, width 152, or height 153. In one embodiment, thebin can include an uncovered top and/or at least one openable side tofacilitate placement of bulk materials in the bin. Alternatively, one ormore sides can include an access door which extends a portion of theside or an entire side. In such cases, the side can include hinges and alocking mechanism which secures the side panel in place once closed.

In one aspect, the bulk material bin 101 can be configured to be movedby a forklift and placed on the bulk material handling device 102. Thus,a length 151 of the bin can be configured to facilitate use with aforklift. In addition, a bottom of the bin can be configured to directlyinterface with and/or facilitate an interface with the forklift, such asby having feet or other structures to facilitate access to a bottomportion of the bin by forks of the forklift. Thus, when on the ground orother support surface, the bin can rest on feet or other riser membersthat raise the bottom portion of the bin above the ground to facilitatelifting of the bin by the forklift.

In another aspect, discussed further hereinafter, the bulk materialhandling device 102 can also be configured to interface with and bemoved by the forklift. Thus, after placing the bulk material bin 101 onthe handling device, the forklift can interface with the handling deviceto move the bin to a desired location and support the handling device asthe handling device operates to dump or empty bulk material from thebin.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, and continued reference to FIG. 1,the bulk material handling device 102 can, in general, include a base110, a frame 120 rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage 130slidably coupled to the frame, and an actuator 140 coupled to the baseand the carriage. In one aspect, the carriage can be configured tointerface with and support the bin 101 when the bin is disposed on thehandling device. As discussed in further detail hereinafter, operationof the actuator can cause features of both the carriage and the frame tosecure the bin to the handling device and rotate the frame to dump orempty contents from the bin.

Accordingly, the carriage 130 can include a bin support structure 133configured to interface with and support the bin 101 (shown in FIG. 1).For example, the bin support structure can comprise a planar surface orplatform to provide a stable support for the bin when the bin isdisposed on the handling device 102. The bin support structure can belocated such that a gap 134 exists between the bin and the base 110 tofacilitate access for a forklift or other suitable device to engage anunderside of the bin in order to place the bin on and/or remove the binfrom the handling device. Thus, as will be recognized, several of thestructures of the handling device disclosed herein can combine toelevate the bin above the base to provide access for forklift forks to abottom portion of the bin for placing the bin on and/or removing the binfrom the handling device.

In addition, the base 110 can be configured to receive and interfacewith forks of a forklift to facilitate use of the handling device withthe forklift. For example, the base can include openings 111 a, 111 b inskids 112 a, 112 b, respectively, to receive and interface with theforklift forks. Thus, after the forklift has been used to place ordispose the bin on the handling device, the forklift can then engage thehandling device via the openings in the base in order to move the binand the handling device to a desired location for dumping the bin.

To facilitate coupling or securing the bin 101 to the handling device102, the frame 120 can have a first bin engagement feature 121 a, 121 band the carriage can have a second bin engagement feature 131 a, 131 b.As shown in FIG. 1, the bin can include interface features 150 a, 150 bto interface with the first and second engagement features. In oneaspect, the interface features of the bin can comprise protrusions, suchas flanges, extending from a bottom of the bin. The first bin engagementfeature and/or the second bin engagement feature can comprise a hook122, 132 to interface with a protrusions or flanges of the bin. Thehooks can have a space or opening to receive the protrusions or flangesof the bin. In one aspect, a flange can run the entire width 152 of thebin or a flange can be configured to interface with the handling deviceat a specific location, such as a flange with a short width located orspaced to interface with the engagement features of the handling device.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a bulk material bin 201, inaccordance with the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the bincan include structures, such as feet 254, to elevate a bottom portion ofthe bin above the ground or a support surface in order to facilitateaccess to the bottom portion of the bin by forks of a forklift. Thus,when on the ground or other support surface, the bin can rest on feetthat raise the bottom portion of the bin above the ground to facilitatelifting of the bin by the forklift. Also shown in the figure areinterface features 250 a, 250 b to interface with engagement features ofa handling device. In one aspect, the interface features of the bin cancomprise openings 255 a, 255 b on the bottom of the bin to receive andinterface with protruding engagement features of the handling device,such as hooks. In this embodiment, the bin can be configured tointerface with the handling device at the specific locations of theinterface features 250 a, 250 b on the bottom of the bin.

The bin 201 shown in FIG. 3 illustrates a plate construction havingrivets and/or fasteners to couple adjoining wall sections. It should berecognized that a bin in accordance with the present disclosure can beconstructed of any suitable material, such as a metal, composite,polymer, etc., that can provide sufficient strength and hardnesscharacteristics to withstand the loads and impacts to which it may besubjected in service. Various components or features of the bin can bewelded, bolted, riveted, bonded, glued, or otherwise connected in anyother suitable form of fastening or coupling bin components or featuresto one another.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-2B, the bin engagement features 121 a,121 b, 131 a, 131 b of the frame and carriage shown in FIG. 2B areoffset 104 a, 104 b laterally from one another, although the otherconfigurations are possible, including an in-line configuration withouta lateral offset. In addition, FIG. 2B illustrates four total engagementfeatures, with the carriage having two and the frame having two. Itshould be recognized that the carriage and frame can have any number orcombination of engagement features. For example, three engagementfeatures can be utilized, with the carriage having one (or two) and theframe having two (or one). In another example, the carriage and/or theframe can have a single engagement feature. In this case, the singleengagement feature can be relatively wide to provide a stable interfacefor securing the bin 101 to the handling device 102.

In order to secure the bin 101 to the handling device 102, the carriage130 can be slidably coupled to the frame 120. Thus, movement of thecarriage relative to the frame can move the bin engagement features 131a, 131 b of the carriage relative to the bin engagement features 121 a,121 b of the frame, which can secure the bin to the handling device. Inone aspect, the carriage can include a wheel 134 a, 134 b and a track124 to facilitate sliding or relative displacement of the carriage andthe frame. In one embodiment, the frame can comprise lateral framemembers 123 a, 123 b that can support tracks on either side of thecarriage. The carriage can therefore ride between the lateral framemembers and provide a movable platform for the bin support structure133. In some embodiments, a wheel can be associated with a carriage anda track can be associated with a frame, although other configurationsare possible. In one aspect, the carriage can be coupled to the frame ina manner to prevent unwanted separation of the carriage and frame, suchas when dumping a bin. For example, the wheel and the trackconfiguration can also facilitate coupling of the carriage and the frameby capturing the wheels within the track. In addition, the wheels canhave flanges to guide the carriage along the track and maintainalignment of the wheels with the track. As an alternative to wheels, anysuitable feature or structure can be used to facilitate sliding orrelative displacement of the carriage and the frame, such as a slidinginterface, ball bearings, roller bearings, bushings, etc.

In order to dump the contents of the bin 101, the frame 120 can berotatably coupled about the base 110, such as with a pivot joint 105 a,105 b. Any suitable rotatable coupling can be employed and can include abushing, bearings, or the like to facilitate relative rotation of theframe and the base. In one aspect, the pivot joint can be located low onthe base, as shown in the figures. In this case, the frame can includeoffset supports 113 a, 113 b extending from the pivot joint to elevatethe frame above the base and provide for movement of the carriage alongthe frame that is unobstructed by the base. The offset supports can alsofunction to provide the gap 134 to facilitate forklift access to thebottom or underside of the bin. In addition, the frame and the base canbe configured to interface with one another at an end 106 opposite thepivot joint to provide a stable interface with one another in order tostably support the bin when disposed on the carriage. Thus, in oneaspect, the offset supports at the pivot joint end and the interfacingstructures of the frame and the base at the opposite end can beconfigured to provide a level bin support structure for the carriage. Asa result, as shown in the figures, the bin support structure can besubstantially parallel to the base.

The actuator 140 can be operable to cause the carriage 130 to moverelative to the frame 120 to secure the bin 101 with the first andsecond bin engagement features 121 a 121 b, 131 a, 131 b and to causethe frame to rotate relative to the base 110 to dump material disposedin the bin. The actuator can comprise any suitable actuator, such as alinear actuator, a rotary actuator, or combinations thereof. In oneaspect, the actuator is operable by hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity,or combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the actuatorcomprises a hydraulic ram or cylinder having a hydraulic coupler 141,which is coupleable to a hydraulic system of a forklift. Thus, in thisembodiment, the actuator can receive power from the forklift and cantherefore be operable by a forklift operator. It should also berecognized that any suitable number of actuators may be utilized.

In the case of a linear actuator, as shown in the figures, the actuator140 can be coupled to the base 110 and frame 120 via mounting brackets115, 125, respectively. Coupling locations for the actuator with thebase and frame can be configured to facilitate rotation of the framesufficient to dump material from the bin. Thus, the coupling locationscan be selected to allow the linear actuator to be sufficiently long toprovide a desired rotational range of motion for the frame relative tothe base. A telescoping linear actuator may be utilized to achieve adesired rotational range of motion with the coupling locations for theactuator.

In one aspect, the skids 112 a, 112 b can be configured to rest on theground or support surface. In a further aspect, a bottom portion 114 bof the offset support 113 b can be configured to rest on the ground, asshown in FIG. 2A. In another aspect, the base 110, such as the skids,and/or the geometry of the offset supports 113 a, 113 b can function tomaintain the offset supports off the ground when the handling device 102is placed on the ground. In yet another aspect, the location and/or sizeof the pivot joint 105 a, 105 b can function to maintain the offsetsupports off the ground when the handling device is placed on theground.

In some embodiments, one or more components of the handling device 102can be configured to enhance stiffness and provide structural integrityfor the handling device in both static and dynamic loading conditions.For example, the base 110 can be configured to support the weight of thehandling device and the bin 101 both when the handling device is on theground and when elevated above the ground by the forklift. In addition,the base can be configured to support the bin, carriage 130, and frame120 when the handling device is subjected to dynamic loading, such aswhen the bin is being dumped. The base can therefore include structuralsupport members to enable the base to withstand various static anddynamic loading conditions. For example, the base can include a crossmember 116 connecting the skids 112 a, 112 b at the end 106 opposite thepivot joint 105 a, 105 b. The cross member can be configured to supportthe mounting bracket 115 for the actuator 140. In one aspect, the crossmember can be configured to facilitate a range of motion for theactuator during operation, such as by including a recess 117 or openingto accommodate the actuator when the frame is parallel to the base. Inanother aspect, a cross support 126 can be associated with the pivotjoint to effectively couple the skids at the joint end of the base andprovide stiffness for the pivot joint between the offset supports 113 a,113 b. For example, the cross support 126 can comprise a tubular memberextending between the offset supports of the frame to provide structuralintegrity for the base and frame pivot joint coupling during use of thehandling device with the bin. Similarly, the frame and/or carriage caninclude cross supports extending between and coupling with lateralsupports to provide structural integrity. In one aspect, a cross supportof the frame can be configured to support the mounting bracket for theactuator. Accordingly, the handling device can be constructed of anysuitable material, such as a metal, composite, polymer, etc., that canprovide sufficient strength and hardness characteristics to withstandthe loads and impacts to which it may be subjected in service. Variouscomponents or features of the handling device can be welded, bolted,riveted, bonded, glued, or otherwise connected in any other suitableform of fastening or coupling handling device components or features toone another.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate basic operation of the bulk material handlingsystem 100. For example, the bin 101 can be placed or disposed on thehandling device 102, as shown in FIG. 4A. In particular, the bin can bedisposed on the carriage 130 with the flanges 150 a, 150 b of the bincorresponding to hooks 132, 122 of the carriage and frame 120,respectively. At this point, the actuator 140 can cause the carriage tomove in direction 107 relative to the frame such that the hooks capturethe flanges to secure the bin to the handling device, as shown in FIG.4B. The hook of the carriage may contact the bin prior to the hook ofthe frame, such that the movement of the carriage pushes the bin intoengagement with the hook of the frame. With the carriage forced againstthe bin, which in turn is forced against the frame, continued actuationof the actuator in direction 108 can cause the frame to rotate indirection 109 relative to the base, as shown in FIG. 4C. The actuatorcan continue to rotate the frame until the bin has been sufficientlytipped or inverted to dump or empty the contents from the bin, as shownin FIG. 4D. The configuration of the base, frame, and actuator cantherefore be designed to rotate the frame relative to the basesufficient to dump or empty the contents of the bin. Thus, for example,the frame can have a rotational range of motion 103 relative to the baseof at least about 91 degrees and up to about 179 degrees. Moving toabout 91 degrees can at least slightly invert the bin such that materialcan empty from the wall of the bin. With the linear actuatorconfiguration shown in the figures, limiting the range of motion to lessthan 180 degrees can facilitate reverse rotation of the frame relativeto the base by operation of the actuator. It should be recognized,however, that even greater ranges of motion can be achieved by utilizinga rotary actuator or a linear actuator with a linkage mechanism that canfacilitate ranges of motion greater than 180 degrees.

In one aspect, movement of the frame 110 beyond vertical, or 90 degreesrotation in the illustrated embodiment, can introduce an ever increasingcomponent of force from the actuator 140 that would tend to push thecarriage 130 away from engagement with the bin 101, with the potentialto release the bin while in the process of dumping the contents from thebin. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4D, the handling device 102 can also includea locking mechanism 160 to prevent unintended release of the bin whendumping the material. For example, the locking mechanism can beconfigured to maintain a position of the second bin engagement feature131 a, 131 b relative to the first engagement feature 121 a, 121 b whenthe frame is rotated beyond a predetermined angle 161 relative to thebase. In one aspect, the locking mechanism can be actuated by gravityand can be configured such that the locking mechanism engages at, orprior to reaching, the predetermined angle, such as 90 degrees of framerotation relative to the base. For example, the locking mechanism caninclude a pawl pivotally mounted to engage a tooth. The pawl can beweighted in order to pivot the pawl against the tooth before the framerotates beyond 90 degrees relative to the base. This can lock thecarriage prior to a rotational position where the actuator can exert aforce tending, or sufficient, to release the bin.

In one aspect, as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4E and 4F, alocking mechanism 160 can include a gas-charged ram 162, which can becoupled to the base 110 and the carriage 130 in a similar manner as theactuator 140, as discussed above. The gas-charged ram can be configuredto develop gas pressure, such as by extending (FIG. 4F), as the actuatoris extended and/or as the frame rotates relative to the base to dumpmaterial. The gas-charged ram can be fluidly coupled to a secondary ram163, such that the gas pressure developed in the gas-charged ram cancause the secondary ram to actuate a brake pad 164, a locking pawl, orother such retaining mechanism to maintain a relative position of thecarriage 130 and the frame 120. For example, as the gas-charged ram isextended, displaced gas is forced into compression therefore acting onthe secondary ram to cause the brake pad 164 to engage with a portion ofthe carriage. In this way, the first and second engagement features canbe maintained in a relative position with one another to preventunintended release of the bin 101 when dumping material. Upon retractionof the actuator and/or rotation of the frame relative to the base towardan initial configuration, the gas pressure can be reduced in thegas-charged ram, thus releasing the brake or other retaining mechanismand allowing the carriage to move relative to the frame to facilitateremoval of the bin from the handling device.

It should be recognized that any suitable number of gas-charged rams,secondary rams, and/or brake pads or other retaining mechanisms can beemployed. For example, a single gas-charged ram can be fluidly coupledto secondary rams on opposite sides of the frame to actuate brake padson both sides of the unit. It should also be recognized that, althoughthe figures illustrate the secondary ram associated with the frame andthe brake pad configured to engage the carriage, the secondary ram canbe associated with the carriage and the brake pad can be configured toengage the frame.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a bulk material handling system 300 in use, inaccordance with the present disclosure. For example, as disclosedhereinabove, once a bin 301 has been disposed on a handling device 302,an actuator can cause a carriage to move relative to a frame to securethe bin to the handling device in preparation for moving the bin and thehandling device to a location for dumping contents from the bin. Thus,as shown in FIG. 5A, the bin 301 and handling device 302 can be liftedby a forklift 370 with the bin being secured to the handling device toprevent the bin from falling off the device while in transit to adumping location, such as a receptacle 380. FIG. 5B illustrates theforklift safely lifting the bin and handling device and moving to thereceptacle at a dumping location. Once at the dumping location, theforklift operator can cause the actuator to rotate the frame relative tothe base in direction 309 in order to dump the contents of the bin intothe receptacle, as shown in FIG. 5C. The actuator can continue to rotatethe frame relative to the base until the contents have been dumped fromthe bin, as shown in FIG. 5D. At this point, the reverse process canreturn the empty bin for further use. As shown in the figures, theforklift can engage the handling device such that a pivot end 305 of thehandling device is at a front end of the forklift. This configurationcan allow rotation of the frame that will enable dumping of the bincontents in front of the forks of the forklift. It should also berecognized from the figures that a width of the bin can exceed a widthof the handling device. Thus, a handling device in accordance with thepresent disclosure can be operable with a wide variety of bin shapes andsizes.

In a related example, a method for facilitating handling of bulkmaterial is presented in accordance with the principles herein. Themethod can comprise providing a bulk material handling device includinga base, a frame rotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidablycoupled to the frame, and an actuator coupled to the base and thecarriage. The method can also comprise facilitating engagement of a binwith a first engagement feature of the frame. Additionally, the methodcan comprise facilitating engagement of the bin with a second engagementfeature of the carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause thecarriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the firstand second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotaterelative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin. It is notedthat no specific order is required in this method, though generally inone embodiment, these method steps can be carried out sequentially.

In one aspect, the method can further comprise facilitating interfacingof the base and forks of a forklift. In another aspect, the method canfurther comprise facilitating operation of the actuator by a hydraulicsystem of the forklift. As such, multiple bins can be dumped using acommon handling device which can be readily engaged with each successivebin.

It is to be understood that the above-referenced embodiments areillustrative of the application for the principles of the presentinvention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings anddescribed above in connection with the exemplary embodiment(s) of theinvention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat numerous modifications can be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bulk material handling device, comprising: abase; a frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first binengagement feature; a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and havinga second bin engagement feature; and an actuator coupled to the base andthe carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage tomove relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second binengagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to thebase to dump material disposed in the bin.
 2. The bulk material handlingdevice of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to receive andinterface with forks of a forklift.
 3. The bulk material handling deviceof claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic ram having ahydraulic coupler which is coupleable to a hydraulic system of theforklift.
 4. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein theactuator comprises a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or combinationsthereof.
 5. The bulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein theactuator is operable by hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, orcombinations thereof.
 6. The bulk material handling device of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first and second bin engagement featurescomprises a hook to interface with a protrusion of the bin.
 7. The bulkmaterial handling device of claim 1, further comprising a lockingmechanism to prevent unintended release of the bin when dumping thematerial.
 8. The bulk material handling device of claim 7, wherein thelocking mechanism is configured to maintain a position of the second binengagement feature relative to the first engagement feature when theframe is rotated beyond a predetermined angle relative to the base. 9.The bulk material handling device of claim 7, wherein the lockingmechanism comprises: a gas-charged ram configured to develop gaspressure as the frame rotates relative to the base to dump material; asecondary cylinder fluidly coupled to the gas-charged ram; and aretaining mechanism coupled to the secondary cylinder and configured tomaintain a position of the second bin engagement feature relative to thefirst engagement feature, wherein the gas pressure developed by thegas-charged ram is operable to cause the secondary cylinder to actuatethe retaining mechanism.
 10. The bulk material handling device of claim1, wherein the frame has a rotational range of motion relative to thebase of at least about 91 degrees and up to about 179 degrees.
 11. Thebulk material handling device of claim 1, wherein the carriage isslidably coupled to the frame via a wheel and a track.
 12. The bulkmaterial handling device of claim 11, wherein the wheel is associatedwith the carriage and the track is associated with the frame.
 13. A bulkmaterial handling system, comprising: a bulk material bin; and ahandling device operable with the bin, the handling device including abase, a frame rotatably coupled about the base and having a first binengagement feature, a carriage slidably coupled to the frame and havinga second bin engagement feature, and an actuator coupled to the base andthe carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the carriage tomove relative to the frame to secure the bin with the first and secondbin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to thebase to dump material disposed in the bin.
 14. The bulk materialhandling system of claim 13, wherein the bin includes interface featuresto interface with the first and second engagement features.
 15. The bulkmaterial handling system of claim 14, wherein the interface features ofthe bin comprise flanges extending from a bottom of the bin and thefirst and second interfaces comprise hooks to interface with theflanges.
 16. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, furthercomprising a forklift, wherein the base is configured to receive andinterface with forks of the forklift.
 17. The bulk material handlingsystem of claim 16, wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic ramhaving a hydraulic coupler which is coupleable to a hydraulic system ofthe forklift.
 18. The bulk material handling system of claim 13, whereinthe carriage includes a bin support structure configured to interfacewith and support the bin.
 19. The bulk material handling system of claim13, wherein a width of the bin exceeds a width of the handling device.20. A method for facilitating handling of bulk material, comprising:providing a bulk material handling device including a base, a framerotatably coupled about the base, a carriage slidably coupled to theframe, and an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage;facilitating engagement of a bin with a first engagement feature of theframe; and facilitating engagement of the bin with a second engagementfeature of the carriage, wherein the actuator is operable to cause thecarriage to move relative to the frame to secure the bin with the firstand second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotaterelative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.
 21. Themethod of claim 20, further comprising facilitating interfacing of thebase and forks of a forklift.
 22. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising facilitating operation of the actuator by a hydraulic systemof the forklift.